can anyone tell me what to use to "paint" on fondant that is metallic? Also for any color. I used a sparkle dust and it was not vibrant enough and didn't apply well dry.

Use vodka as a medium for the paste food coloring. Also can be used with the powdered silver, gold, coppers etc. I prefer vodka over the lemon extract because I think the lemon is bitter. Try it out on some unused fondant to get the feel of it.

what kind of sparkle dust did you try? i've heard people used a luster dust mixed with vodka is the best

Even if you look closely at Colette Peters books the metallic paint she uses isn't totally perfect. I use my airbrush when I can, and I also like Lucks brand, but I have to order it. Vodka and luster dust is another good one, but usually takes 2-3 coats of handpainting if I want "gold" for example.

Even if you look closely at Colette Peters books the metallic paint she uses isn't totally perfect. I use my airbrush when I can, and I also like Lucks brand, but I have to order it. Vodka and luster dust is another good one, but usually takes 2-3 coats of handpainting if I want "gold" for example.

I use for smaller details luster dust combined with lemon extract or vodka.. But if you make it too diluted it wont paint well. An airbrush is a good thing too..
Edna

As Edna points out if you don't have the right consistency of vodka to dust (a bit on the thick side) it will be streaky.
Brands are important. If you are trying to work w/Wilton's sparkle dust you probably won't be very happy.

Note that it's not just the brand, it's the type of dust itself in relation to the brand. You said you used sparkle dust. If you mean Wilton Sparkle Dust, that is a product that just dissolves in liquid; it doesn't stay shiny, it just turns into colored glue. It is not meant to be painted on in order to create a metallic look. I learned that the hard way on my second cake.

As pp's mentioned, you need luster dust or, if you're buying Wilton, the pearl dust. Silver or Gold or similar metallic color. I use Nu-Silver luster dust, also Gold and I think I have a copper or bronze. They all can be painted on with alcohol (note: the higher the proof, the better, as the faster the liquid will evaporate away. I use Everclear.) Shimmer and sparkle are meant to be sprinkled on top of your icing to retain their glittery look.

So true!...Wilton is not the best one either..
Edna